End of the year recap

While most brought in the New Year hungover, some pranksters started the year with a fun gesture to the country by changing the famous Hollywood sign to read “Hollyweed.”

Florida Airport Shooting - Jan. 6

The country was devastated by the Fort Lauterdale airport shooting which killed six people and left five wounded.

Presidential Inauguration - Jan. 20

For some it was a great day in history, for others it was a regression to the past. Either way, Donald Trump’s inauguration remains a staple in U.S. history.

Women’s March - jan. 21

In response to the Presidential Inauguration, more than 2.6 million women marched in Washington D.C. in order to raise awareness for issues regarding gender equality and reproductive health.

Patriots win superbowl - feb. 5

Sports fans were riveted by the outcome of this year’s Superbowl, where the New England Patriots beat the Atlanta Falcons in a 34-28 win.

Trump attempted travel ban - feb. 10

To the dismay of millions, Trump attempted to write out a travel ban which limited travel between the U.S. and several Middle Eastern countries where the practiced religion was mostly Islam. The order was challenged by the Supreme Court.

Trump revoked trans bathroom bill - feb. 22

Despite promises not to deter social progress for the LGBTQ community, the Trump administration revoked an Obama-era bill which enforced schools to host gender neutral bathrooms.

wikileaks scandal - march 7

The country was shocked by the supposed classified CIA documents publicized by wikileaks early in the year.

special olympcs - march 14

Held in Austria, the 2017 winter special olympics hosted almost 2,700 skiers, skaters, snowboarders and snow shoers. They have programs in 169 countries and have a 95 percent positive brand recognition in the United States.

excelsior scholarship - april 8

Citizens of New York were thrilled to participate in the excelsior scholarship passed by Governor Andre Cuomo, which granted free tuition for students making less than $100,000 annually.

charlotesville rally/death - Aug. 11

As racial tensions across the country rose, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and white nationalists alike marched in Charlotesville, Virginia where an counter protestor was hit and killed by a car.

solar eclipse - aug. 21

Americans were treated by a rare sight when a total eclipse took place over the summer. Spanning accorss the entire continental U.S., several states including New York were able to experience the eclipse.

nfl protests - sept. 30

In response to the unfair treatment of people of color throughout the country, several National Football League players protested by taking a knee during the national anthem spurring criticism by many, including the president.

Hurricanes Harvey/Irma/maria -

Aug. 17 - Sept. 16

Several category five hurricanes ravaged the country, devasting states such as Florida and Texas. The natural disasters also devastated U.S. territories Puerto Rico and Dominica.

harvey weinstein scandal - oct. 5

Film producer Harvey Weinstein gets accused of sexual harrassment by dozens of women, spurring a social movement in Hollywood denouncing and punishing sexual abusers.

las vegas shooting - oct. 1

Concert goers were terrorized when a gunman attacked a music festival along the Las Vegas strip. More than 50 people were killed and over 500 injured in the attack.

transgender woman in office - nov. 5

Virginia made history with the election of the first ever transgender woman taking a seat in the state legislature.